Sunday rapist sentenced to five life terms in prison

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Convicted "Sunday rapist", Johannes Steyn, has been sentenced to five life terms by the High Court in Alberton, east of Johannesburg.

The judge said she could not see Steyn rehabilitated as he did not show any remorse for his actions. Yesterday, he was convicted on more than 30 charges, including the murder of teenager Louise de Waal. Steyn has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, 11 of rape, ten of sexual assault, ten of kidnapping, one of attempted sexual assault and one of attempted kidnapping. Witnesses have denied Steyn's claims that they were with him on the days some of the crimes were committed.

A former colleague of the man dubbed the "Sunday rapist" has testified about an explicit letter he sent her while in prison. In the letter Johannes Steyn confessed to the kidnapping and rape of teenager Louise de Waal. He also described himself as a psychopath and monster. The woman was called as a witness in the pre-sentence hearing of Steyn.

Yesterday, he was found guilty of over 30 charges related to murder kidnapping and rape. Portions of the 23 page letter were read in court. In it, he detailed how de Waal's kidnapping took place. He further said de Waal was too old and that he was looking for a younger victim. Explicit detail caused mutterings from the gallery. Steyn noted that his family didn't know the real Jaco.